Monthly Archives: December 2008

Director Robert Mulligan dies at 83

Posted on December 23, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – American director Robert Mulligan, who has died aged 83, never matched his 1962 classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” but he was always able to draw out fine performances from his actors. Not only that, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Notes | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Oscar winners and wannabes in February film releases

Posted on December 22, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett Everything comes in pairs in the United Kingdom’s February film releases. Two Oscar-winning veteran filmmakers show how it’s done with Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” and Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (pictured above). Two famous characters from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Notes | Tagged | Leave a comment

THEATRE REVIEW: Ralph Fiennes in ‘Oedipus’

Posted on December 20, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Bloodied and screaming, Ralph Fiennes brings the tortured title role of Sophocles’ “Oedipus” to vivid life in a new version by Irish playwright Frank McGuinness. On a set that is both stark and imposing and … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Movie star Van Johnson dies at 92

Posted on December 13, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Colourful and self-deprecating American character actor Van Johnson, who has died aged 92, was never a great actor but he always gave good value when he stopped by the American TV talk shows. He gave … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Notes | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

We shall not cease from exploration …

Posted on December 11, 2008 by admin

We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.                         … Continue reading →

Posted in Notes, Places | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How Radiohead helped Giles Borg to make rock film ‘1234’

Posted on December 9, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — If you want to make a film about kids who dream of becoming rock stars, it helps if you know one or two genuine rock stars. For Giles Borg, knowing Ed O’Brien of Radiohead from … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Interviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t read about ‘Dean Spanley’, just go see it

Posted on December 8, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett If you like droll, dry and eccentric English movies then “Dean Spanley” is for you. It’s a small picture set in Edwardian times and stars Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill (pictured) and Peter O’Toole, who all perform beautifully. But … Continue reading →

Posted in Comment, Film | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment